Choosing Vet Approved Dog Treats for Your Furry Friend

Choosing vet-approved dog treats for your furry friend is a crucial decision that can make a big difference in their health and happiness. According to the article, the American Animal Hospital Association recommends choosing dog treats that are made with wholesome ingredients and have a short ingredient list.

When selecting dog treats, it's essential to consider your dog's dietary restrictions and allergies. For example, dogs with food sensitivities may require hypoallergenic dog treats made from novel protein sources like venison or duck.

Some dog treats are even designed to support your dog's overall health and well-being, such as those containing joint supplements or probiotics. These treats can be especially beneficial for older dogs or those with specific health needs.

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Our top pick for healthy dog treats is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers, which are made with natural ingredients and are gentle on your dog's digestive system.

You can also consider vegan options like Chippin Spirulina Dailies Treats, which are a great choice for dogs with dietary restrictions.

For large dogs, Native Pet Yak Chews are a great option, while Riley's Organic Pumpkin & Coconut Dog Treats are perfect for small dogs.

When choosing healthy treats, it's essential to read the labels carefully and look for whole, natural ingredients. Treats with fish or salmon are also a great choice, as they provide omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and eye development in puppies or boost cognitive function in older dogs.

Here are some key things to look for in healthy dog treats:

By choosing healthy treats, you can reward your dog's good behavior without compromising their health.

The Virbac C.E.T Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews are a great option for dog owners looking for a plant-based treat that's clinically proven to prevent plaque and tartar. These chews have the VOHC seal of approval, which means they've undergone at least two clinical trials.

These treats are made with safe ingredients, but they do include some sugars, so it's essential to consult with your vet to determine how often to give them to your dog. They smell lightly sweet and of vegetables, but they might not be your pup's top pick.

The treats are hard in texture but not as hard as some other options, and they're consistent in shape and color. Each treat has 48 calories, so they're best enjoyed in moderation. The packaging is convenient, with a clear panel that lets you see the treats inside.

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The Purina Pro Plan Gentle Snackers are a great option for dog owners whose pets have food sensitivities or sensitive GI tracts. These treats are made with hydrolyzed ingredients, which means they're gentle on dogs with sensitive stomachs.

They have a unique earthy smell that some people might not find pleasant, but our dog didn't seem to mind it. The treats are lightweight and crunchy, about 1 inch in diameter, and have a palatable taste for most dogs.

Each treat has 14 calories, making them a great option for training sessions. Our editor suggested breaking them in half or quarters for smaller training sessions.

The packaging is convenient, with a bag that's easy to open and reseal.

Virbac C.E.T Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews are a great option for dog owners looking for a plant-based treat that's good for their pet's oral health. These chewy treats come in various sizes and have the VOHC seal of approval.

The VOHC seal is a big deal, as it means these treats have been clinically proven to prevent plaque and tartar. Dr. Irish, a vet, loves that these treats have this seal of approval.

Each treat has 48 calories, so it's essential to enjoy them in moderation. These treats are hard but not as hard as some other chews, and they're consistent in shape and color.

These treats smell lightly sweet and of vegetables, which might not be the most appealing scent to some dogs. Our reviewer's pup didn't love them at first, but she did start chewing after setting them on the ground.

The ingredients are vegetarian and generally safe, but they do include some sugars. It's always a good idea to consult with your vet to determine how often to give these treats to your dog.

Here are some key facts about Virbac C.E.T Veggiedent Tartar Control Chews:

Healthy treats are an essential part of your dog's diet, but not all treats are created equal. To keep your pup healthy and happy, choose treats made with whole, natural foods like meat, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables.

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When evaluating treats, check the ingredients list to ensure it's free from questionable ingredients and artificial additives. Look for treats with omega-3 fatty acids, like fish or salmon, which support brain and eye development in puppies and boost cognitive function in older dogs.

Some brands stand out for their commitment to quality and safety. Our veterinary team trusts brands like Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet/Hills, and Royal Canin, which avoid cross-contamination between foods and treats during manufacturing.

Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog's daily calories, so be mindful of calorie counts and portion sizes to avoid overfeeding and obesity.

Here are some key things to look for in healthy dog treats:

By choosing healthy treats, you can reward your dog's good behavior while keeping them happy and healthy.

Making your own dog treats at home is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets only the best. You can customize the ingredients based on your dog's dietary needs and flavor preferences.

With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of tasty treats that your dog will love. For example, try making Fluffernutter Kisses, a low-cal treat recipe that's perfect for dogs needing to lose a few extra pounds.

Homemade dog treats also give you complete control over what goes into them, which is especially important if your dog has specific allergies or sensitivities. Plus, many recipes are surprisingly easy to make, like the Apple Pretzels Recipe for Dogs, which requires just three ingredients.

Here are some key ingredients to keep on hand for making homemade dog treats:

Making DIY treats at home is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets only the best. You can customize the ingredients based on your dog's dietary needs and flavor preferences.

With DIY treats, you have complete control over what goes into them. This is especially important if your pet has specific requirements or allergies.

Making treats at home is easy and fun, and you can even make your own crazy shapes with ingredients like almond flour and flax meal. Try making Blackberry Biscuit Dog Treats, which require just 5 ingredients and 8 simple steps.

Here are some benefits of making DIY treats at home:

Some popular DIY treat recipes include Apple Pretzels, Fluffernutter Kisses, and Frozen Meat Treats. These recipes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

To get started, try one of the following recipes:

Making homemade treats for your furry friends can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can create a mini omelette recipe that's both healthy and delicious for your dog.

The mini omelette recipe is a great option because it's easy to make and uses ingredients that your dog will love. For example, you can use cooked eggs, which are a great source of protein for your dog.

To make a mini omelette, you'll need just a few ingredients, including eggs, cooked salmon or chicken, and diced green bell pepper.

Here are the ingredients you'll need:

It's also important to note that you should cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet, as eating raw egg whites can give dogs biotin deficiency.

Native Yak Chews are a great option for dog owners, but it's essential to keep a few things in mind. They're made with only four ingredients and are lactose-free, making them a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The Native Pet yak chews are tough, with a human fingernail barely leaving a dent. This makes them perfect for super-chewers, but also poses a danger of fracturing dog teeth if they're hard enough to hurt you when thrown.

These treats come in various sizes, so even little super-chewers can enjoy them. However, it's crucial to monitor your dog's chewing time to avoid any potential problems.

Here are some key facts about Native Pet Yak Chews:

As with any treat, it's vital to keep an eye on your dog when they're enjoying Native Yak Chews. Dr. Irish warns that dog owners should be cautious, as the treats are tough and can pose a danger to your pup's teeth.

Dogs with allergies need special care when it comes to treats. Opt for treats made with seafood, meat, or cheddar cheese if your pup has a wheat, gluten, or nut allergy.

For dogs with food allergies, it's essential to check the ingredients list of any treats before feeding them to your dog. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers is a hypoallergenic option, but always double-check the ingredients.

Does Your Dog Need Treats?

Many dogs can benefit from treats as part of a balanced diet.

If your dog has food allergies, you'll need to pay close attention to treat ingredients, as they may be allergic to animal proteins, wheat, gluten, or nuts.

Dog treats are especially helpful when training your dog or rewarding them for good behavior.

Dogs that are overweight or have certain medical conditions should only follow a veterinarian-recommended diet and may not be allowed to have treats.

Fortunately, many dog treats are nutritious, so they can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet.

As your dog ages, their dietary needs change, and it's essential to choose treats that support their joint health and brain function.

Talk to your veterinarian about your senior dog's health to determine their specific nutrient levels and requirements.

Senior dogs often develop arthritis, which can be challenging to spot at home, but look out for signs like slower movement, stiffness, and limping.

To support joint health, consider treats with fish oil, type II collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and curcumin, which can help control joint inflammation and pain.

These supplements work together to create a synergistic effect, improving pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

To determine the right amount of treats to give your senior dog, take the kcal/kg of the food or treat and divide by 10,000.

For example, if your dog's food is 350 kcal/kg, you would divide 350 by 10,000 to get the correct amount of treats.

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When choosing the best natural dog treat, consider your dog's preferences - our top pick overall is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers.

Our vets recommend dog biscuits with ingredients like salmon or other fish for the beneficial omega-3s.

You can talk to your vet about the best treats for your dog based on their health, age, and breed.

Riley's Organic Pumpkin & Coconut treats are a great option for small dogs who need a low-calorie snack. These treats are made with organic pumpkin, oat flour, oats, rye flour, peanut flour, and coconut oil.

The ingredients are considered 100% human-grade and vegan, making them a safe choice for your furry friend.

Each treat has just 7 calories, so you can indulge your dog without worrying about overfeeding. The treats are shaped like bones and have a crunchy texture.

The packaging is also eco-friendly, coming in recyclable bags.

Vets recommend dog biscuits with ingredients like salmon or other fish for their beneficial omega-3s. These fatty acids are great for your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

Some vets also suggest looking for dog treats made with natural ingredients, which can be a good option for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. For example, Zuke's Mini Naturals Low Calorie Baked Dog Treats are made with plant-based ingredients and come in at 10 calories per treat.

These treats are also made in the U.S. and have a light scent of pumpkin and/or sweet potato, which many dogs find irresistible. Our tester pup loved the scent so much she stuck her nose right in the bag of treats.

If you're looking for a treat that's low in calories, Zuke's Mini Naturals are a great option, with only 8.9 calories per treat. They're also crunchy and come in a uniform size and color.

Here are some key features of Zuke's Mini Naturals:

When shopping for dog treats, it's essential to consider the price per ounce to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

The Pet Botanics Training Reward takes the top spot with a price per ounce of just $0.44. This affordable treat is available in a 20 oz bag, making it a great option for dog owners who want to reward their pets without breaking the bank.

The Zuke's Crunchy Naturals Dog Treats come in second with a price per ounce of $0.62. This treat is a popular choice among dog owners, and its 12 oz bag size makes it a great option for smaller dogs or for use as a training aid.

The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers are a bit pricier, with a price per ounce of $1.25. This treat is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, but be aware that it's also one of the more expensive options on this list.

For those who want to splurge on their furry friends, the Riley's Organic Dog Treats and Chippin Spirulina Dailies Treats are great options, but they come with a higher price tag.

Here's a list of the treats ranked by price per ounce:

The Native Pet Yak Chews and Virbac C.E.T Chews are the most expensive options on this list, but they offer a unique and nutritious treat for dogs.

We take our product reviews seriously, and we only want to recommend the best for your pet. We worked with a veterinarian to choose the top criteria for dog treats.

We ranked and tested treats based on safe ingredients, which means we opted for products with ingredients that are safe for dogs. We avoided harmful ingredients like additives or animal bones.

No one wants to be left with the smell of salmon on their fingers after an afternoon of dog training, so we tested treats based on how they smelled. We considered both human and dog noses.

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A 1-year-old, female English cream golden retriever with a love for snacks was our expert for the "taste" test. If she refused a treat, we were concerned whether the treat was palatable for most dogs.

We noted the calorie count per treat for each product, making sure to find low-calorie treats, especially for training purposes. This is because you could be offering up several treats at once.

Texture and consistency are important because treats that are too tough to chew might be a choking hazard. We tested treats based on their texture and consistency.

We evaluated products based on packaging, giving higher marks for brands that offer resealable packages that keep the treats fresh.